Experience or change in Farmington?

FARMINGTON — The difference between the two candidates running for mayor of this south Davis County is simple.

One is an experienced politician, incumbent Mayor David M. Connors, who says he has learned the skills to successfully lead. The other, Scott C. Harbertson, is a political newcomer and self-made businessman who promises change.

Both candidates say they have the ability to lead Farmington through an approaching time of change. In the next five years, projects are planned that will more than double the city's commercial spaces. Population build-out is fast approaching.

No question, the biggest issue facing Farmington residents is future development, particularly commercial development. Two major projects are being planned in the city: One is planned for the city's north end, along the traditionally residential Main Street, and the other, known as Station Park, is on 100 acres near the Park Lane interchange.

The man residents pick for mayor during the Nov. 8 general election will help guide the planning and direction of those developments.

For Cory C. Ritz — who lost to Connors by 179 votes in the October primary election — the choice is simple. Ritz is backing Connors for his political experience and know-how.

"Obviously, there were issues that caused me to run against Mayor Connors," Ritz said. "Despite that, at this stage of the election and in Farmington's development, the fact that Mayor Connors has experience way outweighs the good feelings caused by the fact that Scott Harbertson is a nice guy."

Connors, a Salt Lake City attorney and long-time Farmington resident, has served as mayor the past four years. Before that, he was a two-term city councilman. Connors, 53, has been a key player in discussions about the two major commercial developments planned for the city.

"I would hope to be able to continue to guide the city's growth in a way that preserves the character, tradition and ambience of the community that we love," he said.

But Connors' quest to "continue to guide" Farmington has not been the easiest.

During the October primary election, Harbertson beat Connors by 240 votes — a surprise victory for the political newcomer. The mayor also has been strongly criticized for his role in planning for commercial development.